New PriceGrabber Survey Serves Up Holiday Shopper Stats

PriceGrabber has released additional results of its first winter holiday shopping survey, revealing that 54 percent of consumers plan to spend $500 or more on gifts this season, slightly higher than last year. Conducted from August 31 to September 12, the survey includes responses from 2,235 U.S. online shopping consumers. Click either photo below to view the full-size infographic.

Online retailers and discount stores score big with consumersWhen respondents were asked to select all of the types of stores where they plan to shop for holiday gifts, 75 percent selected online retailers. Discount stores came in a close second place with 74 percent, and traditional department stores came in third place with 49 percent. Local independent retailers received 41 percent of the vote, 36 percent indicated electronic stores, 24 percent selected clothing stores, and 9 percent indicated they plan to shop at luxury department stores this holiday season.

Clothing and gift cards continue to rank as most popular holiday giftsClothing and gift cards continue to remain the top holiday gift choices again this year. When asked what items they plan to purchase as holiday gifts this season (respondents could select as many choices as they liked), consumers overwhelmingly chose clothing (65 percent). Another 49 percent of consumers said they would purchase gift cards; 41 percent opted for books, CDs, DVDs or video games; and 40 percent chose toys. Shoes and hobby-related items both received 29 percent of the vote. Twenty-eight percent opted for jewelry; 24 percent said food or candy; 21 percent selected sporting goods; and 17 percent indicated cosmetics, spa packages, or beauty-related gifts.

Consumers bet on post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping for the best dealsThe day after Thanksgiving (also known as Black Friday) has famously been recognized for years as the official start of the holiday shopping season. Consumers appear to agree that the best deals also start on this date. When asked when they believe the best deals will be available for holiday shopping, 33 percent of consumers said after the Thanksgiving holiday (compared to 29 percent last year), 28 percent specifically indicated Black Friday (Nov. 23), 23 percent said the month of December, and 16 percent said Cyber Monday (Nov. 26).

Shoppers to use credit cards and savings to pay for holiday purchasesWhen respondents were asked to select all of the different ways in which they plan to pay for their holiday purchases this year, 60 percent indicated credit card and 53 percent said they planned to use their savings. Thirteen percent indicated that they planned to use their bonus check at work; 11 percent selected layaway; and 9 percent said gift cards.

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